New Feature: Offline Payment Tracking for Recurring Invoices in ChargeBee

Announcing the release of another top feature request in ChargeBee.

So for users who’ve been using spreadsheets to track their offline payments and for users who want to offer this as a payment option, the wait is over.

You can now track and reconcile all the offline payments you receive such as wire transfers, checks, cash etc., with ChargeBee.

The works

You can create or update subscriptions by turning the “Auto Collection” option On or Off.

When auto collection is “Off”, it means payments will be collected in offline mode.

</p>

Invoices will continue to be generated and the subscription will still continue to renew. The invoices will be marked “Payment Due” and when payment has been received, you need to record that in the invoice status as “Paid”.

An option to add comments to pending invoices is also available. This can be used in case you receive a partial payment and would like to keep the invoice open until the complete payment has been received.

Why use offline payment tracking?

Let’s take a look at a few scenarios that you might want to consider using offline payments as a mode of collecting funds.

Say “Yes” to special requests for alternate payment methods from Customers

At times customers may prefer not to pay using their credit cards and the option to pay via other means might be the deciding factor for them. Offering them an offline payment method would increase your chances of getting a new sign up.

You might also consider offering this when you want to avoid taking the payment gateway route for receiving funds on high value transactions.

Existing customers who would want to use another payment method

When a paying customer contacts and asks you to not charge their credit card for the next 2 months and that they’ll pay you via wire transfer.

Businesses involving physical goods delivery.

If you want to offer “Cash on Delivery” as a payment method for products that customers might want to verify before paying for them.

Rare occasions where a customer does not have a credit card or the card is maxed out at the moment.

You can allow them to sign up and pay via an offline method until they are able to provide a card.